Why does my left eyelid keep twitching?

Left eyelid twitching, medically known as eyelid myokymia, is generally benign. The main causes include the following:

1. Prolonged eye use, such as staring at computer screens or mobile phones, along with excessive fatigue or insufficient sleep, increases the likelihood of eyelid twitching. This typically occurs due to heightened nerve excitability in the eyelid, causing involuntary muscle contractions. In addition, strong light, medication irritation, or foreign bodies in the eye may also trigger left eyelid twitching.

2. Eyelid spasms or contractions, which refer to involuntary twitching or spasm of the orbicularis oculi muscle without a clear cause, may be related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

3. Ocular inflammation, such as keratitis or conjunctivitis, can irritate surrounding eyelid tissues and lead to spasms. Another possible cause is facial nerve compression—for example, a tumor such as an acoustic neuroma pressing on the facial nerve may cause facial muscle spasms, including those of the eyelid.

4. Excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and certain soft drinks, may stimulate nerves and cause eyelid twitching.

5. Dry eye syndrome, which causes ocular discomfort and dryness, may also lead to involuntary eyelid twitching.

6. Magnesium deficiency, an essential mineral, may also cause muscle twitching, including twitching of the eyelid muscles.

7. Other factors such as fatigue, high stress levels, mental tension, and heavy workloads may also trigger eyelid myokymia.

In most cases, eyelid twitching is temporary and does not require specific treatment. However, if symptoms persist for a prolonged period or are accompanied by blurred vision, eye pain, headache, or other symptoms, prompt medical consultation is recommended to rule out other potential diseases.